Lives outside the map: the case of Angorpota-Dohogram Enclave, Bangladesh

Abstract

The enclave problem is highlighted mainly as a political problem rather the social, economic and human rights related problems of the enclave people in previous researches. The present study tries to find out the present socio-economic condition and status of government services. Another important focus of the study was to understand the perceptions of the people on exchanging the enclaves between the two countries. Questionnaire survey was the main method of data collection. The study finds that the living standard of the enclave people has improved after the full time access through the Indian corridor to the mainland. Government services like education, medical facilities, electricity and other basic facilities are now expanding. Regarding the exchange of enclaves, the people of AngorpotaDohogram are united and they are not interested to be the citizen of India whatever their living standard and sufferings and they expect a permanent solution to end their inhuman condition of statelessness. Key wordsAngorpota-Dohogram, Bangladesh, Enclave, Exchange, Socio-economic